Word WPS table creation refers to inserting and formatting tables in WPS Office Writer, the word-processing component of the WPS Office suite. This guide explains the different methods to create a table, how to format it, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Background: WPS Office and Its Table Tools
WPS Office is a free office suite developed by Kingsoft, first released in 1988 as Kingsoft Office. Its Writer application is designed to be compatible with Microsoft Word file formats (.doc and .docx). Tables in WPS Writer function similarly to those in Word, allowing users to organize data into rows and columns. The software is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Because WPS Writer is often used as a free alternative to Microsoft Word, many users search for guidance on performing common tasks like table creation.
How to Create a Table in WPS Writer
There are three primary methods to insert a table in WPS Writer. All are accessible from the Insert tab on the ribbon toolbar.
- Using the Grid: On the Insert tab, click Table and drag your mouse over the grid to select the desired number of rows and columns. Release the mouse to insert the table. This method is quick for tables up to 10 columns and 8 rows.
- Insert Table Dialog: Click Table and then select Insert Table. In the dialog box, enter the number of columns and rows, and choose an autofit behavior (fixed width, autofit to contents, or autofit to window). This method gives more precise control.
- Draw Table: Click Table and choose Draw Table. The cursor becomes a pencil; drag to draw the outer border, then draw horizontal and vertical lines to create cells. This is useful for irregular tables.
Once the table is inserted, a Table Tools tab appears on the ribbon, providing formatting options.
Formatting and Styling Your Table
After creating a table, you can adjust its appearance. The Table Tools tab contains two sub-tabs: Design and Layout.
- Design: Choose from predefined table styles, adjust borders and shading, and apply banded rows or columns for readability.
- Layout: Insert or delete rows and columns, merge or split cells, adjust cell size, align text, and sort data.
To change the width of a column or height of a row, hover over the border until the cursor changes to a double arrow, then drag. Alternatively, enter exact values in the Layout tab’s Cell Size group. For text alignment within a cell, select the cell(s) and use the alignment buttons in the Layout tab.
Common Problems and Solutions
Users often encounter a few recurring issues when working with tables in WPS Writer.
- Table won’t resize: If dragging borders doesn’t work, check if the table is set to a fixed layout. Right-click the table, choose Table Properties, and under Options ensure “Automatically resize to fit contents” is unchecked if you want manual control.
- Rows split across pages: To keep a row on one page, select the row, right-click, choose Table Properties, go to the Row tab, and uncheck “Allow row to break across pages.”
- Text won’t align vertically: Select the cell, right-click, choose Cell Alignment, and pick the desired vertical and horizontal alignment.
- Table appears with thick borders: Select the table, go to the Design tab, and choose a different border style or set borders to “No Border” and then apply your own.
Comparison with Microsoft Word Tables
WPS Writer’s table features are largely equivalent to Microsoft Word’s, but there are subtle differences. The ribbon layout is similar, but some buttons have different names or locations. For example, the “Draw Table” tool is in the Insert tab in both, but the “Eraser” tool is in the Layout tab in WPS, whereas in Word it is under Table Tools > Design. Functionality like merging cells, sorting, and repeating header rows is present in both. One notable difference: WPS Writer’s free version includes ads, which can be distracting. Also, WPS Writer may sometimes have minor rendering differences when opening complex Word documents with nested tables or advanced formatting, but for standard tables, it works seamlessly.
Costs and Platform Availability
WPS Office is free to use, with a premium version called WPS Office Pro that removes ads and adds cloud storage and PDF conversion features. The free version includes all table creation and formatting tools. WPS Writer is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The mobile versions allow table creation but the interface is simplified. For users who need a no-cost alternative to Microsoft Word, WPS Writer is a viable option.
Alternatives to WPS Writer for Table Creation
If WPS Writer doesn’t meet your needs, several other free and paid tools can create tables.
- Microsoft Word Online: Free web version with core table features.
- Google Docs: Free, with simple table insertion and formatting; tables are less customizable than in WPS.
- LibreOffice Writer: Free, open-source, with robust table tools.
- Apache OpenOffice Writer: Similar to LibreOffice, but with a less polished interface.
Each has its strengths; WPS Writer is often praised for its high compatibility with Word files and its familiar interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert text to a table in WPS Writer?
Select the text you want to convert, go to the Insert tab, click Table, and choose Convert Text to Table. In the dialog, specify the separator (such as tabs, commas, or paragraphs) and the number of columns. WPS will create a table based on your settings.
Can I create a table using keyboard shortcuts in WPS Writer?
Yes, you can use the plus and minus signs. Type a plus sign, then a series of minus signs, then another plus sign, and press Enter. For example, typing +---+---+ and pressing Enter creates a table with one row and two columns. Repeat the pattern with plus signs to add more columns.
How do I repeat a header row on every page in WPS Writer?
Select the header row(s), right-click, choose Table Properties, go to the Row tab, and check “Repeat as header row at the top of each page.” This is useful for long tables that span multiple pages.
Why is my table not showing borders when I print?
If borders are not visible in print, check the border color and style. Select the table, go to the Design tab, and ensure the border color is not white or very light. Also, make sure the table style you chose includes borders. In the Table Properties, check the Borders and Shading settings to confirm borders are applied.
How do I delete a table without deleting the text inside?
Select the entire table (click the cross icon at the top-left corner), then press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or right-click and choose Delete Table). This removes the table structure but keeps the text content. Alternatively, you can convert the table to text using the Convert Table to Text option in the Layout tab.
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